3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 160,153

I am always amazed at the excitement and nervousness from those going on their first short-term mission trip, most of the time they don’t know enough to know what they need to be nervous about. There is an excitement in their eyes as they head into the unknown. They prepare testimonies and lessons, not knowing how God will use them or if they will be effective. They pack what is recommended and wonder if it will be enough. They comfort their parents and loved ones, and try to reassure them everything is going to be alright, while at the same time not knowing what the future holds. But through leading and prayer, the journey begins.

 

A lot of mission team members, especially those who have never been on mission before usually become broken spiritually sometime during the week of the trip. They discover a new outlook on sharing, faith, trust, and God. Why is this? It is simple, during the week they are constantly hearing the word of God either from others sharing or through the preaching or their own study. They also see the word of God come to life. That doesn’t mean that the bible gets up and starts walking around. But they see the Spirit of God begin to work in the lives of the people they come in contact with. They walk the streets with a single purpose, to find the person of peace with whom they can share the good news of the gospel. Some are hit with the hard truth that not all will accept the gospel, so they plant a seed not knowing the condition of the soil. Other times they begin to pour out water onto unknown soil, unaware that a seed exist and has been waiting for the moisture that God will use to bring it to life. They get excited and don’t know what to do when out of the ground springs forth life. A miracle, they get to see cold dead bones come to life. After that experience, they have a drive to share and no longer need to be pushed in front of people to share with. Oh what it would have been like in Acts to walk the streets and see God work, bringing people to life through the proclamation of the Gospel. But wait, could that still happen? And could it happen here?

After returning home and a couple weeks of rest, life returns to normal. The mission was accomplished, people were saved and now we are back comfortable, safe, fed, and loved. Or are we? There is always a sense of completion at the end of a mission trip. Not that that would be wrong in the short term, but there is a since of that was where we were on mission at, but now we are back and we have things to get done. Real stuff, school, work, friends, problems, and you know life. Right?

One of the greatest tragedies we have is short-term missions. I know you saw a bunch of people get saved, and God really “showed up”, but stay with me. There is a since of awe and wonder during the week of a mission trip. And we look forward to the next year when we can go and feel that same since of awe and wonder. But let’s compare it to a race shall we. Anyone who runs foot races understands that you have different splits. These are markers throughout the race to gauge your progress, and to ensure you are on pace. A short-term mission trip is sort of like a split. It is a time to see if you are where you need to be in your spiritual life, in your reading and study of the word, apologetics, doctrines, and if you can articulate them to the world around you. The shortness of the week gives you the opportunity to push yourself hard and to evaluate yourself. The tragedy is that the short-term is looked at, as the race itself. We return with a sense that we ran and will rest up to run again next year.

The race however is not over. In fact it is just beginning. When you return home, it is like passing the first mile marker. The street is no longer filled with cheering fans, the road narrows, and the reality of the race sets in. Here is where we must work our hardest. This is where we must pull from prayer and scripture, the strength to press on. Where most might sit and rest, we must run to win. We don’t just return to normal life, we return with a renewed sense of awe for what God has been doing and we must now trust even more so that He will continue His work. We saw on foreign soil God work in others lives. Now we must trust that He will work in ours for His glory and to reach those around us. We are home; this is where we must turn from our sins, where we must love God more than mother and father, more than friends and things. This is where we live out what we preach, if we believe that which we have taught. Did we believe it? Do we believe it? If so, then are we disciplined for the miles ahead? Paul tells the church at Corinth “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified”. Are we disqualified or are we still in the race?

There are no short-term missionaries; there are only missionaries in different context. When we return to our Jerusalem, let us seek the hope that is only found in Christ. Let us not lean on our own understanding, our own wisdom, which is foolishness. Let us not fall victim to busyness and the lure of shiny objects that promise fulfillment. Let our knees be worn out for those nearest to us. Let our time be determined by the cross and His call, trusting that He will provide the time for work, family, fun, and ministry, as we continue the race. We have found our greatest joy in walking by faith; let us not check our faith with Homeland Security as we return home. But let us be reminded daily where our ultimate security is found and where our joy is greatest. Wherever you woke up at, wherever you find yourself, wherever you stand today, then that is your mission field. Time to get running.

160153 Responses

  1. Verona
    | Reply

    Every weekend i used to go to see this site, because
    i want enjoyment, for the reason that this this web page conations really pleasant funny information too.

  3. Fay
    | Reply

    Quality articles or reviews is the important to attract the users
    to go to see the web page, that’s what this web site is providing.

  6. how to deal with gambling addiction
    | Reply

    This substance of this blog piece is truly intriguing .
    I enjoyed the way you investigated the numerous issues so exhaustively and lucidly .
    You helped me procure innovative insights that I
    had not contemplated before. I appreciate for sharing your mastery and expertise – it has
    enabled me to acquire knowledge even more.
    I particularly appreciated the novel viewpoints you showcased
    , which enlarged my understanding and reasoning in meaningful directions .

    This blog is organized and compelling , which is paramount for content of
    this quality.
    I look forward to examine supplementary of your work in the upcoming period, as I’m confident it will continue
    to be illuminating and help me continue
    developing . I offer my appreciation !

    My blog post: how to deal with gambling addiction

  9. Web Server Adalah
    | Reply

    Hey There. I discovered your weblog the use of msn. This is an extremely neatly written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your useful info.
    Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.

  11. Jina
    | Reply

    This website was… how do you say it? Relevant!!
    Finally I’ve found something which helped me.

    Thanks a lot!

  15. Ina
    | Reply

    Thanks a lot for sharing this with all people you actually recognise what you’re speaking
    about! Bookmarked. Please also consult with my website =).
    We will have a hyperlink alternate contract between us

  19. Michale
    | Reply

    Greetings I am so thrilled I found your blog, I really found
    you by mistake, while I was searching on Google for something else,
    Anyways I am here now and would just like to say many
    thanks for a remarkable post and a all round
    interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at
    the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I
    will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb job.

  30. natural mounjaro recipe
    | Reply

    Its such as you read my thoughts! You seem to grasp so much approximately this, such as you wrote the e-book in it or something.
    I believe that you could do with some % to power the message house a
    little bit, but other than that, this is great blog.
    An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.

  34. bedava sex siteleri HD
    | Reply

    Hey! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My website looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone.

    I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. Thanks!

  38. Johnny Dixon
    | Reply

    In today’s world, ensuring a hygienic workplace is more crucial than ever. I’ve been using professional floor cleaning services, and the difference is astounding. It’s amazing how a clean floor can contribute to overall health in the office Crime Scene Cleanup Phoenix AZ

  40. apply for e-visa login
    | Reply

    I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.

    I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.

    I’m quite certain I’ll learn a lot of new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

  43. affordable
    | Reply

    Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog
    website? The account aided me a acceptable deal.

    I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *